Exploring Approaches to Integrate Ideological and Political Education within Public Management Courses

Abstract

This study explores how to effectively integrate ideological and political education (IPE) within public management courses. Using "Market Research and Forecasting" as a case study, it offers a comprehensive framework for a systematic course design. Ideological and political education, as a central component of educational reform, aims to transcend traditional knowledge transmission by nurturing students' social responsibility, cultural identity, and moral integrity. In doing so, it supports the educational objective of "fostering virtue through education." This paper introduces a "four-dimensional integration model", which includes cultural embedding, case comparison, situational simulation, and project-driven learning to facilitate a meaningful fusion of ideological education with professional curricula. Drawing on a literature review, instructional case analysis, and course outcome evaluations, the study validates the model’s effectiveness and its impact on students' development of cultural, ethical, and social responsibility. Findings demonstrate that the integration of IPE into public management education not only strengthens students' professional skills but also fosters the moral framework essential for ethical public service, contributing to the cultivation of public management professionals who embody both technical acumen and strong moral principles.